University of Virginia Health Science Center
Department of Anesthesiology
Fellowship in Pain Management

BIO:

Dr. Richard Shook has over 30 years experience as a psychotherapist. His psychotherapeutic orientations have always included a strong humanistic and existential focus. His work integrates Gestalt, Jungian, object-relations, family systems and Ericksonian hypnosis. His recent therapeutic focus has been on integrating mindfulness and acceptance themes with a special emphasis on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Dr. Shook had the opportunity to experience the power of mind/body interventions while he served as a medic in the Air Force. He developed his mind/body interests more deeply when he completed his residency/internship at the University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, and a fellowship in pain management in the Department of Anesthesiology. His pain management concentrated on using both hypnosis and mindfulness meditation in the treatment of severe pain. His clinical work in psychotherapy and health psychology has allowed him a front row seat to the self-healing and self-regulating powers we all share.

Dr. Shook first became interested in mind/body issues when he received training in Transcendental Meditation in high school and continues to be excited about the healing powers of psychology. A few years ago, he had the honor of studying nonviolent communication with Marshall Rosenberg. He has also recently attended workshops by Steven Hayes and other Acceptance and Commitment trainers, as well as a six-day retreat with Thich Naht Hahn.

Dr. Shook also has an extensive background in forensic psychology. He has testified as an expert witness in numerous cases, addressing issues of competency and insanity. He has spent time as an intern in prisons working with serious offenders, such as serial killers and other violent offenders. As a clinical psychologist, he has a special interest in psychological testing – especially projective testing. Dr. Shook believes in a humanistic/therapeutic style of psychological assessment. Dr. Shook continues conducting psychotherapy and psychological testing with children (as young as six-years old), adolescents and adults; and continues working with health issues, especially pain management.

Dr. Shook also works as an executive coaching psychologist. His coaching training includes over 200 hours of coach specific training, most of which he completed at MentorCoach. His strong emphasis in coaching is on developing a program of coaching that integrates the contributions of Mindfulness, Nonviolent Communication and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. He actively coaches numerous clients throughout the United States and in other countries.